The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated a five-member legal committee to address the persistent problem of land grabbing and related offences across Ibadan and its environs.
The committee, unveiled on Tuesday, comprises Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola and Dr. Musibau Adetunbi, alongside Yinka Okunade, Rahman AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas.
A statement by the monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan on Wednesday, said the committee was mandated to tackle land disputes from a legal standpoint and to work with relevant experts and agencies.
Oba Ladoja gave the committee the freedom to co-opt professionals from other fields such as town planning, surveying, security, and the judiciary to strengthen their work.
He said, “Land grabbing has become an interlocking web of complex interests that must be unraveled. We are determined to rid Ibadanland of this menace, and I have full confidence in the capacity of this committee to deliver.”
The monarch noted that both the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council share the same commitment to ending land grabbing, which he described as a growing threat to peace and development.
“While we do not underestimate the enormity of your responsibility, I am confident that you all have the experience and integrity needed to achieve results,” he added.
Oba Ladoja directed the committee to begin work immediately and submit its recommendations within 21 days.
The Olubadan further clarified that the new legal advisory committee was established to complement the existing committee on land matters chaired by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, expressed concern over the increasing cases of land grabbing, describing it as a threat to lives and property.
He said, “It has become necessary for Ibadan to take decisive action against this menace. If possible, anti-land grabbing tribunals should be set up in all 11 local government areas of Ibadanland.”
